A dramatic power shift inside the Colombo Municipal Council has left Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar politically weakened, as the opposition captures control of key standing committees and tightens its hold over municipal finances.
The opposition recorded a significant political victory at the Colombo Municipal Council today (14), successfully securing control of the majority of the standing committees, including the powerful Finance Standing Committee that oversees the council’s financial affairs.
Commenting on the outcome, Municipal Councilor Roy Bogahawatte said that he, together with Anura Sujeewa, Tharanga Athuraliya, Dayakantha Perera, and Arshad Nizamdeen, had been elected to serve on the Finance Committee. He stressed that all those elected to the committee represent the opposition, marking a clear setback for the ruling National People’s Party.
Mayor Vraîe Cally Balthazaar and Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerakoon sit on the Finance Committee in an ex officio capacity, in line with existing local government regulations. According to council sources, 60 members voted in favor of opposition nominees when submissions were made for the standing committees.
This result contrasts sharply with the recent budget vote, which was narrowly passed with 58 votes in favor and 56 against, highlighting shifting alliances and growing dissatisfaction within the council.
Bogahawatte further stated that the opposition now controls most of the standing committees, while the ruling NPP has been left with authority over only a limited number of committees. Despite this, the ruling party maintains that the mayor can continue in office.
MP Tony Ramsey, who aligned with the ruling party, said the mayor’s position remains secure, noting that under the Local Government Ordinance, the Finance Committee is chaired by the Mayor, reinforcing executive authority despite the opposition’s gains.
